Our second speaker for the day was Brian Collins, BSC Associates. Brian is a specialist in radio frequency (RF), Radiation, RF measurement and the Health and Safety impacts of RF radiation.
On 1 July 2016 the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMF) came into force. Brian outlined the regulations’ requirements and their likely impact in the workplace.
Brian described the main areas that have changed are;
- There is now a requirement for documentation
- ALL sources of EMF’s are included
- There is a specific requirement to consider workers at particular risk
The CEMF requires employers to assess and limit the levels of Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to which their workers are exposed and minimise the risks to workers arising from exposure to EMFs. This does not include long-term effects.
Any assessment should be recorded and where the exposure limits values and/or action values are exceeded, an action plan should be prepared and implemented.
Brian described the typical base station antenna radiation patterns and how you cannot tell how hazardous a situation is, unless you can determine how much power is being fed to the antenna – a visual inspection is not enough.
Brain described that as an employer you must;
- Document the potential exposure of your employees
- Obtain information directly from the radio system operator
- Insist that operators regularly update their information on potential hazards as Installations for the mobile service are frequently modified
- Be particularly aware of real danger to employees at special risk
Speaking after Brian’s presentation John Staves said
“It is clear from Brian’s presentation that the new Regulations will increase awareness of RF issues and also simplify the ways that property owners can demonstrate compliance”.
How do you think these new regulations will affect you and your business? We’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
